- In “Cooking with Chris,” Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta continues his global culinary journey, stepping into the kitchen at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus to celebrate one of Hilton’s most iconic hotels through food, culture and connection.
- Explore the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine as Chris joins local chefs to prepare a dish inspired by centuries of culinary tradition, featuring charcoal-grilled lamb, smoky eggplant beğendi, fresh yogurt and fragrant spices.
- Discover the stories behind Turkish hospitality, from Ottoman-era recipes and regional ingredients to the teamwork, laughter and shared meals that bring people together around the table.
Every destination has a story. Sometimes it’s told through history, sometimes through architecture and it can always be found within the delectable food that brings together locals and visitors alike.
In the latest episode of “Cooking with Chris,” Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta arrives in Istanbul, where the newly reimagined and legendary Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus provides the perfect backdrop for a remarkable culinary adventure. Overlooking the enchanting waters of the Bosphorus, this landmark hotel has welcomed guests for more than seven decades and remains one of Hilton’s most celebrated properties.
The hotel is known for pioneering several F&B-led firsts, from the country’s first happy hour to establishing five o’clock tea as a social ritual. Inspired by Turkish hospitality traditions, Conrad Hilton introduced the “welcome coffee” at the hotel after observing the custom of greeting guests with coffee and liqueur – a gesture that became a hallmark of Hilton hotels around the world.
This incredible hotel is teeming with stories, and to get a truly authentic taste of this special place, Chris heads to the kitchen.
Joined by Yannis Manikis, regional executive chef, Hilton, and Leyla Ateşoğlu, demi chef de partie, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Chris sets out to create a dish that Chef Yannis describes as a way to “feel the soul of Türkiye.” The meal combines several beloved elements of Turkish cuisine, including charcoal-grilled lamb chops, smoky eggplant beğendi, fresh yogurt infused with mint and tomatoes seasoned with a mix of the fragrant herbs and spices for which Türkiye is renowned.
Chris and the talented team of chefs swap stories and work on their culinary craftsmanship as they prepare beğendi, a classic Turkish dish with roots in the Ottoman Empire. Eggplants are charred over real charcoal until their skins blister and their flesh becomes tender and smoky. The roasted eggplant is then blended with a rich béchamel sauce and halloumi cheese, creating a velvety accompaniment for the lamb.
Flavor and enticing aromas help define this traditional dish, and the result is a plate that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage while showcasing fresh local ingredients and techniques. Like any mouth-watering masterpiece, it’s best when shared. And Chris takes this opportunity to gather and connect with longtime Hilton team members as they celebrate the future of this historic Hilton hotel.
Want to bring a taste of Istanbul into your own kitchen? Find the full recipe below and experience the flavors of Türkiye.
FAQ: Cooking with Chris: Discovering the Soul of Türkiye in Istanbul
Who is featured in this episode of “Cooking with Chris”?
Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta continues his global culinary journey, stepping into the kitchen at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, where he is joined by Yannis Manikis, regional executive chef, Hilton, and Leyla Atesoğlu, demi chef de partie, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.
Where does this episode of “Cooking with Chris” take place?
The newly reimagined Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, which has welcomed guests for more than seven decades, provides the perfect backdrop for this episode of “Cooking with Chris.” This landmark hotel remains one of Hilton’s most celebrated properties. The hotel is known for pioneering several F&B-led firsts, from the country’s first happy hour to establishing five o’clock tea as a social ritual.
What culinary dish is highlighted in the episode of “Cooking with Chris”?
Chris joins local chefs to prepare Grilled Lamb Chops with Eggplant Beğendi, inspired by centuries of culinary tradition, featuring charcoal-grilled lamb, smoky eggplant beğendi, fresh yogurt and fragrant spices.
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